Mitred grate and drain cover

ABSTRACT

A drain cover comprises a grate having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge defining a space having an axis substantially normal to the peripheral edge and at least one cross piece extending within the space at substantially right angles to the axis of the space. A front tab with a front tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The front tapering slot receives the edge of a pipe. A rear tab with a rear tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The rear tapering slot also receives the edge of a pipe. A securing screw is proved for securing the grate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/798,564 filed Apr. 7, 2010, which is a continuation in partapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/890,449 filed Aug. 6,2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,216, which is a continuation in part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,152 filed Aug. 26, 2005, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,252,458 which is a continuation in part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/459,872 filed Jun. 12, 2003, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,942,425, which is a continuation in part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/826,641 filed Apr. 5, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,595,721 issued Jul. 22, 2003, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mitred grates and drain covers. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to drain covers and grates, with orwithout drain pipes, for use on sloped or inclined surfaces.

Drainage pipes play an important role in the design and structure ofbuildings, landscaping and the like in order to permit collected orrun-off water to be removed from areas, and to conduct the flow of suchwater to city drainage installations. A typical drainage pipe may belocated adjacent a building, or in a parking lot or other landscapestructures, with a drain cover or grate closing off the pipe. The draincover or grate is preferably flush with the surface, and permits waterrun-off to flow through the grate, and into the pipe for furtherremoval.

It is an inherent feature of the drainage pipes that they slope from thewater collection point, namely, at the open end of the pipe (or the pipeflow entrance) including the grate or drainage cover, and that the pipesslope therefrom to a street gutter, curb, or the next stage of the sewersystem. These pipes will, therefore, often flow under parking lots,sidewalks or other areas, in carrying the collected water from the pipeflow-line entrance to the street or guttering for further removal.

Existing drainpipes typically comprise a series of pipes which have awater-flow entrance, and which are located in the area to be drained, aseries of connected piping through which the water can flow, and anoutlet at a remote end from the water flow entrance, where water flowingthrough the pipe is discharged for further removal through other sewersystems.

In a typical form, the grates or pipe covers which are placed over thedrain pipe at the flow-water entrance end are circular, correspondingsubstantially in size to the diameter of the drain pipe. These gratesare necessary, and perform an important function, in that they permitthe free flow of water from the collection area into the drain pipe, butprevent larger objects from entering the drain pipe and ultimatelyblocking the system.

Therefore, the drain pipe covers and grates provide a useful andindispensable function, allowing the drainage of water, but selectively,depending upon the size and configuration of the grate, preventing smallstones, sticks or other items from causing a blockage in the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a draincover and pipe combination, the combination comprising a drain coverincluding a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, thespace having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least onecross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openingsin the drain cover; a pipe comprising a substantially tubular memberhaving a longitudinal axis, the pipe having a substantially ellipticalshaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other thanparallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member; and securingmeans for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mitredgrate and drain cover comprising: a peripheral edge having an upper andlower surface and a substantially elliptical shape which defines aspace, and a plurality of cross pieces within the space; dependingsidewalls extending from the lower surface of the peripheral edge, thesidewalls being constructed with respect to the peripheral edge suchthat they are at an angle other than 90° to the peripheral edge, thesidewalls defining a space for receiving a pipe.

Preferably, the mitred grate and drain cover further comprises securingmeans for securing the grate and drain cover to a pipe. The grate ordrain cover can be used both as an inlet and an outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a draincover comprising a grate having peripheral edge defining a space and atleast one cross piece extending within the space, the grate having anupper surface and lower surface; and depending sidewalls extending fromthe lower surface of the grate, and constructed at an angle theretoother than 90°.

Preferably, the peripheral edge and sidewalls define a receiving spacefor receiving a pipe having an open end which is received within thespace. Securing means for securing the grate to a pipe may also beprovided.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mitredgrate and drain cover comprising an elliptical peripheral edge defininga space and at least one cross piece located in the space so as todefine a plurality of openings in the grate, and securing means forsecuring the grate to an end of a pipe.

The invention therefore provides for a grate or pipe cover for use indrainage systems, the grate being of a substantially elliptical orsimilar such shape, so that it fits over a pipe which has been cutobliquely, rather than in a direction substantially normal to the flowof water therein. This arrangement of an oblique or mitred grate permitsincreased flexibility in locating drain pipes and their cover grates,making it no longer necessary to have the grate or drain pipe cover on asubstantially vertical pipe, as is the present situation. Thus, thewater inflow end of the pipe can be sloped all the way up to thesurface, providing greater flexibility to design engineers where only avery slight slope is permitted due to the lie of the land. Thisflexibility is achieved by avoiding the need for the vertical componentupon which the substantially round grate is placed, sometimes providingas much as an additional 6-18 or more inches of vertical height,depending upon the pipe size, which could otherwise be used to slope thepipe.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the open end of thepipe, with the mitred grate, presents a significantly larger surfacearea to water being drained, and is therefore able to achieve higherlevels of drainage than may have been possible with the smaller surfacearea round grate covering a pipe of approximately equivalent diameter.The oblique or mitred grate of the invention can also be used so thatthe angle at which the pipe is cut causes the resulting opening to beessentially flush with any surface at which the water inlet end islocated, whether the surface is horizontal, somewhat inclined, or closerto vertical, as a curb or sidewalk edge may be.

At the same time, while permitting a greater inflow of water, the grateprevents, to the same extent as any other grate, the influx of debrisand landscape materials entering the pipe, which either causes cloggingof the pipe or the conveyance of debris to the street where it maycreate an unsightly mess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drainpipe and grate typical of theprior art;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the grate shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the drain cover and gratewith pipe of the invention constructed beneath a sidewalk;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the drain cover and gratewith pipe of the invention constructed adjacent to the curb, without asidewalk;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drain pipe and grate cover, inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section along line A-A in FIG. 5 of the drawings;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section through lines B-B in FIG. 5 of the drawings;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section through similar to FIG. 7 of the drawings, butshowing another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section through the drain cover and grate with pipe ofthe invention showing another embodiment by means of which the grate canbe affixed to the pipe;

FIG. 10 shows yet a further embodiment of the invention by means ofwhich the grate can be affixed to the pipe;

FIG. 11 is yet a further embodiment, in cross-section, showingattachment of a grate to a pipe;

FIG. 12 is yet a further embodiment, in cross-section, showingattachment of a grate to a pipe;

FIG. 13 is yet a further embodiment, in cross-section, showingattachment of a grate to a pipe; and

FIG. 14 shows yet a further means of attachment using a flexible sleeve;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a grate in accordance with a furtherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view in section of the grate shown in FIG. 15 of thedrawings, located over a pipe;

FIG. 17 is a detailed view showing one aspect of the connection of thegrate with the pipe;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a grate in accordance with a further aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 is a section through the grate shown in FIG. 18, and a pipe towhich it has been attached;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a grate in accordance with another aspect ofthe invention;

FIG. 21 is a side view in section of the grate as shown in FIG. 20 ofthe drawings;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a grate in accordance with yet another aspectof the invention;

FIG. 23 is a section view of the grate as shown in FIG. 22 of thedrawings;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a mitred drain cover and pipe inaccordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a side view in section of the drain cover and pipe shown inFIG. 24 of the drawings;

FIG. 26 is a slightly exploded view of the mitred drain cover and pipeshown in FIG. 24 of the drawings, with the drain cover slightly removedfrom the pipe;

FIG. 27 is a cross-section through the end of the pipe only as shown inFIG. 24 with the drain cover removed;

FIG. 28 is a detail of one end of the pipe shown in FIG. 27 of thedrawings;

FIG. 29 is a detail showing another end of the open pipe as shown inFIG. 27 of the drawings;

FIG. 30 is top perspective view of the end of the pipe only, as shown inFIG. 24 of the drawings;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of a grate in accordance with the invention in anembodiment showing a hinged grate;

FIG. 32(a) is a side view in section of the grate shown in FIG. 31 ofthe drawings, showing the grate in the closed position;

FIG. 32(b) is a detail of the hinge shown in FIG. 32(a) of the drawings;

FIG. 33(a) is a side view in section of the grate shown in FIG. 31 ofthe drawings, showing the grate in the open position;

FIG. 33(b) is a detail of the hinge shown in FIG. 33(a) of the drawings;

FIG. 34 is a side view of a grate box in accordance with a furtheraspect of the invention;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the grate box showed in FIG. 34 of thedrawings;

FIGS. 36(a), (b) and (c) show views for connecting a grate to a pipe inaccordance with a further aspect of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a grate box and pipe in accordance withanother aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a grate box and pipe in accordance withyet another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is, in one aspect, for a mitred grate or drain cover,particularly for use in conjunction with a drain pipe having anobliquely cut end, the combination of the grate and drain pipe providingincreased drainage surface area for a pipe of predetermined diameter,thereby permitting drainage of greater quantities of water. The grateand/or drain pipe of the invention also provide the ability whereby thegrate is able to mesh in with the various inclined or sloped surfaces ina construction site or in landscaping. Further, the obliquely cutdrainage pipe, and grate which fits thereover, permits more effectiveuse of slope available for the drainage pipe over a given area,especially where only a very short vertical distance and relativelylittle slope is permitted by the characteristics of the area. In otherwords, a conventional pipe and grate where a vertical component isrequired would require a greater vertical distance to be sloped at agiven angle than the drain pipe and cover of the invention, where nosuch vertical component is necessary.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, which show priorart grates and piping. In FIG. 1, a drain pipe and grate combination 10comprises a vertical pipe 12, a sloping pipe 14 and an elbow connector16 between the vertical pipe 12 and the sloping pipe 14. The verticalpipe 12 is cut normal to the axis of thereof so as to define an open end18. The open end 18 is fitted with a grate or pipe cover 20 which coversthe open end 18.

As will be seen in FIG. 2, which is a top view of the grate 20, thegrate 20 comprises an annular ring portion 22, and various cross pieces24. The cross pieces 24 and annular ring portion 22 which make up thegrate 20 are in use, flush with the surface they are built in to, andpermit water to flow from the surrounding area into the vertical pipe 12for removal. Water runs through openings 26 defined by the cross pieces24 of the grate 20, into the vertical pipe 12, through elbow 16, andthen into the sloping pipe 14 where it is conveyed to a curbside gutter,or to a city sewerage system or the like. The grate 20 is constructedsuch that the cross pieces 24 will prevent larger objects from enteringthe vertical pipe 12, and, therefore, stones, twigs or other items whichmay potentially block the pipes 12 and 14, and obstruct the water andproper drainage, are caught and prevented from entering the pipe.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 of the drawings which shows adiagrammatic representation of the drain cover and grate in accordancewith the present invention. In FIG. 3, there is shown diagrammatically asidewalk 30, the upper surface of which may be comprised of dirt,concrete, grass or such other material as may be conventional. Below thesidewalk, there is located a pipe 32 having an open end 34. The open end34 is covered by a grate 36, and the open end 34 and grate 36 arelocated near a surface, designated by reference numeral 38, in whichwater is directed, or collects, and from which the water is to flow intothe pipe 32 for drainage purposes.

Also shown in FIG. 3 in a schematic manner is a street pavement 40, acurb 42, and a gutter 44, defined between the pavement 40 and the curb42. The pipe 32 extends in a sloping manner under the sidewalk 30,terminating in end 46, which opens into the gutter 44. Thus, water whichcollects at surface 38 flows through the grate 36, into the pipe 32 andout through the end 46 into the gutter where it will flow for furthercollection in the city sewerage drainage system or the like. In FIG. 3,the reference numeral 48 indicates the flow direction of the water fromthe end 34 to the end 46, the flow being permitted by the slope orinclined nature at which the pipe 32 is located in the ground.

It will be noted at this point that the open end 34 is mitred, or cutobliquely, along the pipe 32, so that it defines an elliptical opening,as opposed to a substantially circular opening in conventional drainagepipes, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 of the drawings, which shows adiagrammatic representation of a drain cover and grate with pipe of theinvention, much the same as shown in FIG. 3, except that in FIG. 4 thereis no sidewalk. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals have beenused to identify corresponding elements. Thus, FIG. 4 shows a slopedpipe 32, having an opening 34 for defining the flow entrance for water,covered by a grate 36. Water flows through the pipe in the directionindicated by arrow 48, eventually reaching the end 46 for discharge intothe gutter 44 adjacent the pavement 40. Thus, water accumulating,collecting or directed to the surface 38 will ultimately pass throughthe grate 36, and into the pipe for drainage purposes.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the pipe and grate of the invention. InFIG. 5, there is shown the end portion of a pipe 50, having an open end52 on which is mounted a grate 54. The grate 54 comprises a peripheraledge 56, and a plurality of transverse pieces 58 defining a plurality ofopenings 60. The pipe end 52 is cut obliquely, or mitred, and not, as iscommon in the prior art, at right angles to the direction of water flow,indicated by arrow 62.

FIG. 6 of the drawings shows a cross-section through the pipe 50 andgrate 54 shown in FIG. 5, along line A-A thereof. With reference to FIG.6, the grate 54 comprises the peripheral edge 56, and cylindricalsidewalls 64 extending form the inner surface 66 of the peripheral edge56. The peripheral edge 56 and sidewalls 64 define a receiving space 68,in which is received the end 52 of the pipe 50. FIG. 6 clearlyillustrates the oblique or mitred cut of the pipe 50. In use, the end 52of the pipe 50 slides into the receiving space 68, and is firmlyattached thereto by bolts or screws, as will be described.

It will be noted in FIG. 6 that the sidewall 64 depending from the innersurface 66 of the peripheral edge 56 is at an angle other than 90°, ornormal to, the plane of the grate 54. It will be appreciated that thisangle can be appropriately constructed and configured for a particularpurpose, although certain common constructions having recurring usagesmay be appropriate. Possibly the more common angles are those providedby a two-to-one or a three-to-one incline.

It will also be seen in FIG. 6 that the pipe 50 and grate 54 areconstructed, in this case, into a surface 70, and are flush with thatsurface 70. This surface 70 may comprise grass, dirt, concrete or thelike. Water may run down this surface, or indeed the horizontal surface72, for collection and drainage through the grate 54 and pipe 50 forfurther treatment.

Reference is made to FIG. 7 of the drawings, showing a section throughthe grate and pipe of FIG. 5, along lines B-B thereof. The grate 54includes the sidewalls 64 thereof, defining the receiving space 68 inwhich the end 52 of the pipe 50 is received. The sidewall 64 includesone or more holes 74 at different positions around the circumference ofthe sidewall 64. The pipe 50 has corresponding or registering holes 76,and the pipe 50 is located within the receiving space 68, so that theholes 74 and 76 are aligned with each other. A screw (self-tapping orotherwise) or bolt 78 extends through the holes 74 and 76 in order tofirmly secure the grate 54 to the pipe 50.

The grate 54 may be constructed of metal, brass, plastic, cast iron,polyethylene or other appropriate materials. Further, the grate can bemanufactured with or without the flange or sidewalls 64. Where suchsidewall 64 forms part of the grate 54, attachment may be in a mannerillustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. However, if no such sidewalls 64are provided, various other methods of attaching the grate to the end ofthe pipe can be used. These may include holes in the peripheral edge 56of the grate 54, through which screws may pass to securely attach to thewall of the pipe 50, in conventional manner. Alternately, attachment maybe effected by glue or friction type clips on the inside or outside ofthe pipe.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment where the grate is attached to the endof the pipe by screws 86, in the situation where the pipe has no sidewalls.

FIG. 9 of the drawings shows a another embodiment of the drain cover andpipe of the invention with an alternative mechanism for connecting thetwo components together. In this Figure, like reference numerals will beused to identify corresponding components to those in the earlierembodiments described. Thus, a pipe 50 having an end 52 is formed undera surface 70, and horizontal surface 72, and is covered by a drain coveror grate 54. In this embodiment, the grate 54 has a depending flange 92of more or less triangular shape, having an edge 94 substantially normalto the grate 54, and an angled edge 96. The flange 92 forms a plate, andincludes an aperture 98 therein which can receive a screw, bolt, orother connecting means for securing the grate 54 to the end 52 of thepipe 50. The flange 92 will be secured in much the same way as isdescribed and illustrated with respect to FIG. 6 above.

One of a plurality of nipples 100 can be suitably placed on the grate inorder to provide a stop for the pipe 50, which helps to ensure thatevery pipe is properly located and mounted with respect to the grate 54,thereby facilitating and simplifying the installation process.

Turning to FIG. 10 of the drawings, there is shown yet a furtherembodiment for attaching a grate 54 to a pipe 50. In this Figure, whereappropriate, similar reference numerals will be used for correspondingcomponents shown in earlier Figures. The mechanism by which the grate 54is attached to the end 52 of the pipe 50, as shown in FIG. 10 is by theuse of a plurality of screws 106, which may be suitably located aroundthe periphery of the grate so as to provide a secure connection. Thescrews 106 insert directly into the wall of the pipe 50. Additionally,there may optionally be a layer of glue between the end 52 of the pipe50 and the grate 54.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the grate 54is glued to the pipe 50. FIG. 11 shows a continuous layer of glue orepoxy 112 formed between the undersurface of the grate 54 and theperipheral outer edges of the pipe 50. It is to be noted that the optionof the glue or epoxy connection may be used with or without bolts,screws or the like. Epoxy or glue may be appropriate, for example, forsmaller diameter pipes, or where the flow of water and/or exposure ofthe grate 54 may be reduced, or where the drain cover is not subject tohigh traffic.

FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment of the invention whereby the grate54 can be attached to the pipe 50. The grate 54 has downwardly dependingside walls 114, having an outer surface 116 and an inner surface 118. Asaw-tooth, or other, shaped projection 120 is formed on the innersurface 118, and a correspondingly shaped recess 122 is formed on theouter wall of the pipe 50. The projection 120, when the grate 54 isforced over the end of the pipe 50, engages in the recesses 122. It willbe appreciated that the shape, and direction of movement when securingthe components, of each of the projections 120 make it feasible for thegrate 54 to slide over the pipe 50 so that the projections 120 canengage within the recesses 122, but it will be very difficult to, undernormal circumstances, remove the grate 54. This can be achieved eitherby lightly expanding the side wall 116, and/or pressing in the pipe 150.Otherwise, the projections 120 are likely to break before the grate 54can be removed from the pipe 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, it will be seen that there are tworows of protections 120, and in accordance with the principles of theinvention, the grate 54 need not have two projections, but can have onlyone, or any other suitable number. It should also be appreciated thatthe projections, in another embodiment of the invention which is notillustrated, may be formed on the outside of the pipe, withcorresponding recesses on the side walls of the grate. Moreover, acombination of recesses and projections either on the inside of the sidewall 116, or on the outside of the pipe 50, may also be used.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which shows yet a further embodimentby means of which the grate 54 can be attached to the pipe 50. As wasthe case in FIG. 12, the grate 54 has depending side walls 114 having anouter surface 116 and an inner surface 118. The inner surface 118 of theside walls 114, and/or the outer surface of the pipe 50 may be formedwith registering recesses 126 and 128 respectively, together defining aspace 130 in which is located a compression-type ring 132. When thegrate 54, with the ring 132, is forced over the pipe 50, the ring 132will engage both of the recesses 126 and 128 on the grate 54 and pipe 50respectively, thus keeping the grate 54 firmly secured on the pipe.

Alternatives to FIG. 13 may be the provision of only one ring, or threeor more rings, as opposed to the two shown in the Figure. Further, thespace 130 defined between the recesses 126 and 128 is generally ofrectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 13, but the recesses may be of anysuitable shape so as to define a space 130 of desired dimension andshape.

With reference to FIG. 14 of the drawings, yet a further embodiment isshown for securing the grate 54 to the pipe 50. The grate 54 hasdepending side walls 114, and a flexible sleeve 136, of generallytubular shape, extending from just below the outer surface of the grate54 to over the pipe 50. The sleeve, which can be comprised of flexiblerubber, plastic, ABS or any other suitable material, is secured to thegrate 54 by means of a clamp 138, and the other side of the sleeve 136is secured to the pipe 50 by means of another clamp 140. The clamps 138and 140 are appropriately tightened or loosened in conventional fashionso as to form a ring to firmly clamp the sleeve 136 against the grate 54and/or the pipe 50 respectively.

With reference to FIG. 15 of the drawings, there is shown a plan view ofa grate 160, the grate comprising a more or less elliptically-shapedperiphery 162, and a plurality of transverse ribs 164, wherein a pair ofadjacent transverse ribs 164 define a slot 166 through which a liquidcan be drained. The grate 160 has an upper surface 168 and a lowersurface 170 best seen in FIG. 16 of the drawings. Attached to the lowersurface 170 of the grate 160, there is formed a flange 172, the flange172 having a lip 174 formed at one end thereof. The lip 174 defines aspace 176 between the lip 174 and the lower surface 170 of the grate160.

FIG. 16 also shows, in section, a pipe 178 to which the grate 160 isattached. The pipe has an edge 180, which terminates, along a section ofthe edge 180, in a point or sharpened edge 182.

When contacting the grate 160 to the pipe 178, the point 182 of the edge180 is inserted into the space 176 by appropriate manipulation of thegrate 160. As shown clearly in FIG. 17, the edge 180, and particularlythe point 182, is received within the space 176 so as to firmly engagethe grate 160. Thereafter, a screw 184, which may also be a bolt orother type of fastening mechanism, is inserted in a bore 186 formed atthe approximately opposing end of the grate 160, in the periphery 162thereof, the screw 184 engaging the edge 180 of the pipe 178 at a pointwhich is more or less diametrically opposite the point at which the edge180 is received within the space 176.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 show an efficient mechanism forsecuring the grate 160 to a pipe 178, which can be accomplished morequickly by virtue of the fact that fewer screws or bolts need be used inthe connection process. As will be seen, an automatic fasteningmechanism is provided by the flange 172 and lip 174 at one end, so thata screw or bolt-type of fastening mechanism need only be used at theother end.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18 of the drawings, showing anotherembodiment of the invention. FIG. 18 shows a plan view of a grate 190having a periphery 192, transverse ribs 194, and slots 196 formedbetween adjacent ribs 194. The grate 190 illustrated in FIG. 18 isparticularly adapted for use on a pipe, where at least the endingthereof has a corrugated configuration, or some kind of protuberances orrecesses formed on the pipe, for reasons to be described.

Located in the periphery 192 of the grate 190 are a series, six in FIG.18, of bores 198 by means of which the grate 190 can be attached to apipe 200, as more clearly illustrated in FIG. 19 of the drawings. InFIG. 19, it will be seen that the pipe 200 comprises a series ofcorrugations 202, substantially parallel with each other, which createon the surface a plurality of equispaced recesses 204. In FIG. 19, itwill be seen that the grate 190 is fitted over the pipe 200. Securementof the grate 190 to the pipe 200 is effected by means of one or morestraps 206. Each strap has a first end 208, and an intermediate portion210, the intermediate portion 210 extending around the pipe 200, andbeing accommodated in one of the recesses 204. Further, each strap willalso have a second end 212, which would be behind the pipe 200 asillustrated in FIG. 19, so that the pipe 200 is effectively suspendedfrom the grate by means of the straps 206. The first and second ends 208and 212 of each strap 206 is connected to a bolt 214, the bolt 214extending upwardly through one of the bores 198. Thus, as anillustration, the middle strap 206, illustrated in FIG. 19, would have afirst end 208 connected to a bolt 214 which would extend through bore198 a. The second end 212 of the strap 206 will extend through the bore198 b, shown in FIG. 18. A nut 216, which is accommodated in a recessedarea of the bore 198, is threadedly connected to the bolt 214, andappropriate tightening occurs so that, by means of the straps, the pipe200 is firmly attached to the lower end of the grate 190.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, three straps are shown. However, any number ofstraps may be used, including a single strap, or four or more straps.The number of straps used may be dependent upon the actual size of thegrate and pipe.

Moreover, FIGS. 18 and 19 show a pipe which has a corrugated surface.However, the present embodiment of the invention may provide a gratewhich is attached to a pipe not necessarily corrugated, but which mayhave any type of surface configuration to allow one or more of thestraps to be attached thereto without sliding or slipping. Thus, thepipe may have a single, or a plurality, of appropriately placed recessesin the surface of the pipe, or it may comprise a bulge or protuberanceon the exterior surface of the pipe so that when the strap is attachedit will not slide over the pipe. Such a bulge or protuberance may be ata single point, at multiple points or continuously formed around theouter diameter of the pipe.

With reference to FIG. 20 of the drawings, there is shown a plan view ofa grate 240, the grate comprising a more or less elliptically-shapedperiphery 242, and a plurality of transverse ribs 244, wherein a pair ofadjacent transverse ribs 244 define a slot 246 through which a liquidcan be drained. The grate 240 has an upper surface 248 and a lowersurface 250 best seen in FIG. 21 of the drawings. The grate 240 hasopposing ends 252 and 254. The grate 240 is intended to cover a pipe 256having walls 258 cut at one end 260 so as to define an angle other thanperpendicular or normal relative to the axis 262 of the pipe 256.

The grate 24 has a slotted channel 264 at the end 252 thereof, and, asbest seen in FIG. 21 of the drawings, the slotted channel 264 has a flowsurface 266 which facilitates improved flow of liquid from the pipe 256without any backup at the point where the grate 240 attaches to the pipe256.

With reference to FIG. 22 of the drawings, there is shown grate 270including ribs 272 defining slots 274. The grate 270 has a peripheraledge 276, and is received within a receiver 278 which has a flange 280extending inwardly along a portion thereof. Then grate 270 slides underthe flange, and that part not under the flange will rest on thereceiver. A sets screw 282 may be located at the other end to firmlysecure the grate 270 to the receiver.

With reference to FIGS. 24 to 30 of the drawings, there is shown afurther embodiment of the mitred drain cover and pipe, in accordancewith the invention wherein the grate portion is partially inset into thepipe section. In these Figures, the grate 300 rests on an open end ofthe pipe 302, the grate 300 resting at least in part in an inset 304, asshown well in FIGS. 26 and 30 of the drawings. The grate 300 has theusual slots as described above with respect to previous embodiments, andat the lower end has a lip 306 forming a type of channel or funnelthrough which water exiting the pipe 302 can pass through the grate 300without backing up. The lip 306 is designed so that the open end of thepipe, and particularly near the bottom thereof, has an outlet to preventbackup, and this is bests seen in FIG. 28 of the drawings.

FIG. 28 of the drawings shows the end of the pipe including the lip 306,a detail of the circled portion 308 in FIG. 27, while FIG. 29 of thedrawings shows a detail of circled portion 310 in FIG. 27 of thedrawings.

The grate is attached to the end of the pipe using a tab 314 on thegrate, which fits within a slot 316 on the perimeter of the open end ofthe pipe, and is permanently affixed by means of a screw 318 passingthrough a hole 320 in the grate 300, and into a bore 322 (best seen inFIG. 29 of the drawings) in the pipe section. Preferably, the tab andslot arrangement is such that both are angled so that the tab may not beremoved from the slot under normal circumstances when the grate isfastened into place by means of the screw 318.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 31 to 33 of the drawings, which shows anembodiment including a hinged grate. In a typical application, thegrates generally described in this application are primarily (butcertainly not exclusively) for storm drain applications. Storm water cancollect and disperse leaves, gravel, silt and other debris.Periodically, the inside of the grates and pipes need to be cleaned forproper functioning. With this in mind, it would be beneficial in certaincircumstances to have the capability of removing the grate with theleast effort possible yet still retain a secure grate.

The hinged grate in accordance with one embodiment of the inventionwould allow easy maintenance with removal of only one set screw or othersecuring device. The hinge will permit the grate to be swung open awayfrom the pipe to allow maintenance. The hinge typically will have twoends. One end attaches to the grate and the other end attaches to thepipe. The hinge can be mounted either on the top portion of the pipe,the bottom portion of the pipe or the side portion of the pipe. Thehinge will be held in place by screws, clips, glue, welds or any othersecuring means.

In FIG. 31 of the drawings, there is shown an end 350 of a pipe 352having an opening 354. A grate 356 covers the opening 354. The grate 356is connected at one of its ends 358 to a hinge 360, seen in the detailof FIGS. 32(b) and 33(b) of the drawings. The hinge 360 is alsoconnected to the pipe 352. At the other end 362 of the grate 356, ascrew, bolt 364 or other fastening member secures the grate 356 to thepipe 352. If the grate 356 needs to be removed to clean debris or forother maintenance, the screw 364 can be removed, and the grate 356lifted away form the opening 354 by pivoting it about the hinge 360. Inthis way, the grate is not disconnected from the pipe 352, but merelymoved to expose the opening 354 for maintenance. When the removal ofdebris has been completed, the grate 356 is rotated about the hinge 360back to its closed position to cover the opening 354 and secured to thepipe 352 by the screw 364. In this way, a convenient and efficientmechanism for clearing the opening and pipe is provided.

FIG. 34 of the drawings illustrates a grate box combination 402including a grate box 404 and a grate 406 mounted thereon. The grate box404 has an end wall 408 with an aperture 410 therein, the aperture 410receiving a pipe 412. The pipe 412 contains drainage which empties intothe space 414 of the grate box combination 402. The embodiment shown inthis drawing shows a pre-made ready to install grate and box combination402 which can be directly connected to the pipe 412 or another pipe.FIG. 35 of the drawings shows a top view of the grate and boxcombination 402 as illustrated in FIG. 34 of the drawings.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36(a), (b) and (c) of the drawings. Inthis figure, there is shown a pipe 420 having a front cut edge 422 and arear cut edge 424. A grate 426 fits over the opening 428 of the pipe420. The grate 426 has a body 430 with an upper surface 432 and a lowersurface 434. Near the front edge of the lower surface 434, there isformed a front tab 436 including a tapering slot 438. Near the back edgeof the lower surface 434, there is formed a rear tab 440 including atapering slot 442. The grate 426 is placed and secured to the pipe 420such that the front cut edge 422 is received in the tapering slot 438and the rear cut edge 424 is received in the tapering slot 442. Thegrate 426 is secured in position relative to the pipe 420 by means of aset screw 444 which is received in a threaded screw aperture 446. Whensufficiently tightened, the point of the set screw 444 will engage therear cut edge 424 of the pipe 420, ensuring a proper connectiontherebetween.

FIG. 37 of the drawings shows a grate and box combination 450 includinga box 452 defining an interior space 454. The box 452 includes sidewalls456 and an end wall 458. The sidewalls 456 generally take the shape of aright angled triangle, and the grate and box combination 450 thereforetapers from the end wall 458 to the front edge 460. The box 452 furthercomprises a base wall 462, so that the interior space 454 is generallyclosed on its base and sides. A grate 466 including opening slats 468 isplaced over the box 452. The end wall 458 includes a generally circularaperture 470, which sealingly attaches to a pipe 472. The pipe 472conveys water or other waste from a source to the grate and boxcombination 450, which then exits through the slats 468 in the grate466.

FIG. 38 of the drawings shows a different embodiment to that illustratedin FIG. 37. In FIG. 38, the grate and box differ in shape, with thegrate 466 having a wide section 476 at its approximate center, andbecoming narrower towards the ends thereof. The box 452 also receives apipe 472, connected thereto at an aperture 470, and operates in much thesame way as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37 of the drawings.

It should also be appreciated that the grate may be constructed so as tofit on to a very significant range of pipes and ground slopes. In onepreferred embodiment, the grate may be manufactured to match a 2:1ground slope. In another application, the grate can be applied to largerpipes to prevent access into the pipe by animals and/or children.Furthermore, the tubing or piping which is cut at an angle may be squareor rectangular in cross section, or indeed any other desired onconvenient shape, not limited to the circular shape described above.

The invention is not limited to the precise constructional detailsdescribed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A mitred grate and drain cover comprising:a grate housing having a base, a flat, planar end wall having asubstantially consistent thickness mounted on the base normal theretoand having an aperture therein, and a pair of sidewalls of substantiallyconsistent thickness each having a top edge, the sidewalls being mountedon the base and extending upwardly therefrom, the top edge having asubstantially uniform width along its length and sloping downwardly fromits position at the end wall, the base, sidewalls and end wall defininga housing; a grate coextensive with and mounted on the top edges of thesidewalls and on the end wall to form a top on the grate housing, thegrate having a plurality of substantially transverse slots of selectedwidth separated from each other by grate areas having at least the samewidth as the slots, the grate and sidewalls further comprising a widercenter linearly tapering to a narrow first end on one side of the widercenter and linearly tapering to a narrow second end on an opposing sideof the wider center.
 2. A mitred grate and drain cover as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the sidewalls are generally of right angled triangleshape, so that the grate mounted on the side walls generally slopesdownwardly from the end wall.
 3. A mitred grate and drain cover asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the end wall has a circular aperture therein.4. A mitred grate and drain cover as claimed in claim 3 wherein thecircular aperture in the end wall receives a pipe.
 5. A mitred grate anddrain cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the grate is generally ofrectangular shape and has a plurality of cross slots formed therein. 6.A mitred grate and drain cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the gratehas a first end which is mounted near the top of the end wall and slopesdownwardly so that a second end of the grate is connected to the base ofthe grate box.
 7. A mitred grate and drain cover as claimed in claim 1wherein the drain cover and pipe are at an angle relative to each other.8. A mitred grate and drain cover as claimed in claim 7 wherein theangle between the drain cover and the pipe is selected depending uponthe slope or angle of a surface or substrate in which the drain coverand pipe combination are located.